Beeston Ladies 1s hosted Clifton Robinsons in a hard-fought game at Nottingham Hockey Centre on Saturday 30th September. The sides have now met 8 times in three season across league and cup competitions.
Clifton started the better of the two sides scoring in the 8th minute with a well worked move that resulted in the ball falling to the unmarked Eloise Laity who finished calmly past Steph Tirrell in the Beeston goal.
Beeston, playing in their away kit despite being at home due to the late arrival of their home kit, struggled to get a foothold in the game or create any real clear cut opportunities. It wasn’t until late on in the first half that a ball from Hannah Grieve found Australian import Angela Chilwell who won a penalty corner for the home side, however it failed to properly test the visitors and the sides wen into halt time 0-1.
Beeston started the brighter of the two sides after half time and spent plenty of time on the ball and enjoyed large spells in Clifton territory. Only 5 minutes into the second half Ella Cusack found Angela Chilwell in the circle who won another penalty corner. This time Mads Newitt scored the equaliser with a straight strike from the top of the circle.
However the sides only remained level for 5 minutes when a mishit pass found its way to the circle catching Beeston off guard. After an initial save from Steph Tirrell in the Beeston goal the ball fell kindly to Jess Lea who was unmarked and finished calmly to put the visitors in front again.
Only three minutes later Clifton won a penalty corner from which Livvy Hoskins scored a looping drag flick to secure the win for the side from Bristol.
The win moves Clifton to the top of the table whilst Beeston drop to 5th.
Head Coach James Sordillo said “Clifton were the better side today, as simple as that. We fell below what we expect of ourselves but that shouldn’t take away from Clifton, full credit to them, they are a really good side and they got the better of us today. I expect them to do really well this year”
Sordillo continued “it’s always a good battle when we play eachother and the sides are fairly evenly matched. There is a level of fight and competition whilst never boiling over. Its always a pleasure to go into competition with Clifton, I just prefer it when we win”
Beeston face a long trip to face bottom of the league Isca. (Exeter) next weekend.
Bees Squad: Steph Tirrell, Hannah Grieve, Jane Kilpatrick, Lottie Summers, Martha Wong, Ella Cusack, Lauren Burrell, Nic Moss, Bex Douglas, Katie Mason, Mads Newitt, Cerys Miller, Julia Spence, Angela Chilwell.
*Main image @OfficialBeeHC Mads Newitt did get on the scoresheet for Beeston.
